European Paper Talk: Real Madrid plan €200m summer move for Neymar

Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a big-money move for PSG forward Neymar

The winter transfer window doesn’t open until January 1, but clubs across Europe are busy planning and contacting the players they hope to sign to improve their squads.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European newspapers and websites to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.

Spain

Real Madrid have set aside €200m to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain next summer.

There have been numerous reports the Brazilian is unhappy in the French capital and that he has fallen out with PSG boss Unai Emery and striker Edinson Cavani. There have also been claims other members of the squad are unhappy with the preferential treatment Neymar receives.

Real have moved away from their Galactico policy over the last two years, but Zinedine Zidane's squad has looked a little weak this season and Los Blancos president Florentino Perez wants to change that next summer. (Marca)

Atletico Madrid will make a move for Napoli forward Dries Mertens next summer if Antoine Griezmann leaves the club.

Atletico are interested in Napoli forward Dries Mertens

The Belgian has been a revelation since being moved into a central striking role last season. He notched 28 goals in Serie A during the 2016/17 campaign and has twelve to his name already this term.

Mertens turns 31 next May but that hasn't put clubs off, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also interested. (AS)

Barcelona are hoping to complete the January signing of 18-year-old Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Netherlands international has established himself as one of the brightest young centre-backs in European football over the past year and was part of the Ajax side which reached the Europa League final.

Barcelona want to have a long-term replacement in place for Gerard Pique, who is now 30, and believe De Ligt is the man for the job. (Mundo Deportivo)

Neymar is not the only man on Real's wanted list as the club are considering a move for Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa.

The 23-year-old has been a Real Madrid transfer target in the past and the club have maintained their interest. They may face competition from Arsenal in the race to sign Spanish international. (Marca)

Javier Mascherano has again hinted he will leave Barcelona next summer. The Argentine's contract with the club doesn't expire until 2019 but he is considering one last move and could return to Argentina to play for his former side River Plate. (La Nacion)

Italy

Italy are lining up replacements for Gian Piero Ventura even if they qualify for next summer's World Cup in Russia.

The Azzurri are on the brink of missing out on their first major tournament for 60 years after losing the first leg of their play-off against Sweden 1-0. Ventura will be given the chance to see out the tie, but Italy are planning for a future without the coach.

Gian Piero Ventura's future as Italy boss is in doubt

Carlo Ancelotti, who is out of work after being sacked by Bayern Munich, could be convinced into taking the role. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Patrice Evra's agent hasn't ruled out the defender making a move to Napoli after he was sacked by Marseille for kicking a fan.

"He knows he made a mistake, but his career doesn't end here," Federico Pastorello said. "Patrice doesn't see himself in Serie A again after his years with Juventus. We won't rule anything out, not even Napoli, but I think it would be complicated." (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker is an AC MIlan transfer target and the Serie A club could make a move for the 22-year-old in January. It is claimed Milan have been monitoring the Belgium international, who was the subject of Manchester United transfer rumours in the summer, since 2013 and could finally firm up their interest. (Tuttosport)

Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires will join up with Inter Milan next month to ensure he is fully settled ahead of his January loan move from Chinese side Jiangsu Suning. The Brazilian has been training with Chelsea over the last fortnight as he recovers from an injury. (Corriere dello Sport)

Roma have added Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian and Chelsea wing-back Davide Zappacosta to their list of January targets. The club are searching for a right-back following an injury to Rick Karsdorp. (Calcio News 24)

France

Lyon forward Nabil Fekir is becoming one of the most wanted players in Europe and Real Madrid are now among the many clubs chasing his signature. Fekir has scored twelve goals in 15 games this season and has attracted interest from Barcelona, Manchester United and Juventus. (SFR Sport)

Real Madrid are interested in signing Lyon skipper Nabil Fekir

Barcelona are ready to hand Samuel Umtiti a new contract amid interest from Manchester United. The centre-back's current release clause stands at a modest €60m and, unsurprisingly, the Catalan club want that raised substantially. They're willing to offer Umtiti a new deal which increases his release clause to €180m. (SFR Sport)

Nantes are hopeful captain Leo Dubois will sign a new contract in the coming weeks. His current deal with the club, who are managed by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri, expires at the end of the season. (L'Equipe)

Germany

Borussia Dortmund offered striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in the summer after the club lost Neymar. The Catalans were scrambling to replace the Brazilian after his shock switch to PSG and had the chance to sign the Gabon striker. However, they instead opted to buy his team-mate, Ousmane Dembele, for €105m. (SportBILD)